Brayton Grist Mill

Brayton Grist Mill is a four-story wooden structure with a gabled roof and clapboarded exterior located in Pomfret. The building houses 1800s-era milling equipment, water turbines, and a blacksmithing collection that operated for decades under William Brayton's ownership.

William Brayton built this mill in 1890 using materials salvaged from earlier mills in the area. He operated it until his death in 1928, when the state took over and converted it into a museum for public visits.

The mill shows how people worked in Connecticut during the 1800s and what was needed to grind grain into flour. The collection of old machinery and blacksmithing tools reveals the craftsmanship that kept mills running.

The mill is only open by appointment through the Pomfret Historical Society, so advance planning is necessary for your visit. The building sits near Mashamoquet Brook State Park, making it easy to combine with a hike or outdoor walk in the area.

Inside the basement sits an original turbine from the 1800s still mounted in its wooden frame with cast iron supports intact. This working example shows how water power once drove the grinding process that fed the local community.

Location: Connecticut

GPS coordinates: 41.95056,-71.97611

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:46